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New Delhi

One of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, Delhi has been built, invaded and colonized by global powers throughout history, including central Asian invaders, the Mughal dynasty and, most recently, the British Empire. Today, this historic city is now the capital of India, and with 12.5 million people, the second largest urban area in India after Mumbai; in contrast to that upstart's glitzy, fast-paced Bollywood lifestyle, Delhi, the seat of government, is decidedly more traditional. It is also a city of contrasts, with the grandeur and European flair of sights like India Gate and the Rajpath in New Delhi rubbing elbows with the gritty bustle of the historic Chandni Chowk market area of Old Delhi. It is home to some of the country's greatest architectural gems, including Humayun's Tomb and the Red Fort, and an abundance of five-star hotels cater to the modern luxury traveler.

Visitors should note that the months of April through June are exceedingly hot and humid and July through September brings monsoon rains; as such, the best time to visit is during October to March, when the air is generally dry and temperatures moderate.

One of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, Delhi has been built, invaded and colonized by global powers throughout history, including central Asian invaders, the Mughal dynasty and, most recently, the British Empire. Today, this historic city is now the capital of India, and with 12.5 million people, the second largest urban area in India after Mumbai; in contrast to that upstart's glitzy, fast-paced Bollywood lifestyle, Delhi, the seat of government, is decidedly more traditional. It is also a city of contrasts, with the grandeur and European flair of sights like India Gate and the Rajpath in New Delhi rubbing elbows with the gritty bustle of the historic Chandni Chowk market area of Old Delhi. It is home to some of the country's greatest architectural gems, including Humayun's Tomb and the Red Fort, and an abundance of five-star hotels cater to the modern luxury traveler.

Visitors should note that the months of April through June are exceedingly hot and humid and July through September brings monsoon rains; as such, the best time to visit is during October to March, when the air is generally dry and temperatures moderate.

EXPERIENCES

EXPERIENCES

Baha'i Lotus Temple

Visit the Bahaâi Lotus Temple, an interfaith worship hall that is considered an architectural wonder of the modern world. Inspired by the form of a lotus blossom, the temple was designed with 27 free-standing marble-clad âpetalsâ arranged in groups of three to form nine sides. Nine doors open onto a central hall, which holds up to 2,500 people.

Chandni Chowk

Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market, one of Delhiâs oldest and busiest, located next to the famed Jama Masjid, or Friday mosque. Here, stalls sell every kind of Indian delicacy imaginable, and spice shops closely guard secret recipes (for example, a custom-ground masala) passed down over generations.

Contemporary Art

Go on an insiderâs contemporary art tour, meeting the driving forces of such leading Delhi galleries as Vadehra Art Gallery, Gallery Espace, Anant Art Gallery and Delhi Art Gallery. Remote Lands can also arrange visits to the studios of local contemporary Indian artists.

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib

Visit the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib temple, an important Sikh shrine located near Connaught Place in the heart of Delhi. Dedicated to the eighth Sikh guru, Guru Harkrisha, the temple is open to people of all faiths, who can worship, hear kirtan (religious hymns) and partake of langar (community kitchen meals). You must cover your head and remove your shoes before entering the temple.

Houses of Worship

Delhi is one of the most religiously diverse cities in Asia. Spend an afternoon or a full day with a professor of Eastern religions, who will take you to various houses of worship and discuss comparative beliefs of Hindus, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, Muslims, Buddhists, and more who all call Delhi their home.

Humayun's Tomb

Any visit to Delhi must include Humayunâs Tomb, the final resting place of the second Mughal emperor. Not only is it the earliest example of the Mughal garden-tomb style, but it's also a direct architectural predecessor of the more famous Taj Mahal. Built in the late 1500s, today the tomb has undergone extensive renovations under the auspices of UNESCO and is one of the best preserved ancient sites in New Delhi.

Jama Masjid

In the heart of Old Delhi near the Red Fort lies Masjid-i-Jahan Numa, colloquially called the Jama Masjid, or âFriday Mosque.â Built by Shah Jahan (who also built the Taj Mahal) in 1656, itâs one of the oldest and largest mosques in India, complete with four towers, two minarets and ample white marble and red sandstone.

Qutb Minar Mosque

See the imposing Qutb Minar, or victory tower, the worldâs tallest freestanding minaret, which stands at a height of 237 feet (72 meters). The minaret stands within the Qutb Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the ruins of mosques, gates and tombs built by Delhiâs first dynasty of Muslim rulers.

Red Fort

Visit the imposing Red Fort (one of Delhi's numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites). Like Jama Masjid, it was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, and served as both his palace and seat of government. A vast structure of red sandstone, the Red Fort's planning and aesthetics represent one of the pinnacles of Mughal architecture. For architecture enthusiasts, Remote Lands can arrange a prominent published scholar to join as a specialist guide.

Textiles

For Indian textile aficionados, Remote Lands can arrange a visit to the home of a Kashmiri family dynasty renowned for their knowledge and inventory of the finest shawls, scarves, carpets and other indigenous textiles. The family's regular customers include members of government, financiers and other magnates who seek the best quality wedding shawls, saris and other garments worn on special occasions.

Imperial Hotel

Located in the center of New Delhi, The Imperial is a splendid reminder of the city’s colonial past. The hotel’s 231 rooms and suites are designed in a combination of Art Deco and traditional English styles, and the hotel’s main lobby has an impressive collection of colonial-era Indian art. Dining options are Spice Route, which serves exceptional Southeast Asian cuisine, and 1911, set on an outdoor verandah overlooking the property’s lush gardens, serves continental cuisine. Other amenities include complimentary wi-fi, fitness center, outdoor pool, spa, and business center. The Imperial Hotel is approximately a 40-minute drive from the international airport (DEL).

Maharajas' Express

The Maharajas' Express is a jewel among trains, with carriages named for the precious stones of the Maharajas themselves. Guests can travel the rail tracks of India from Delhi to Agra to Jaipur, stopping off at beautiful ancient temples, exploring caves and jungles, spotting rare wildlife and shopping in bustling bazaars. There are a range of tours, from three nights and four days to seven nights and eight days, to suit all types of vacationers. Aboard this train spanning nearly half a mile is accommodation worthy of an Indian monarch, with four cabin options, all boasting panoramic windows for stunning views of the Indian countryside. Traditional hospitality is observed in the train’s two restaurants in which diners enjoy sparkling service and delicious cuisine. Socializing with cocktails takes place in the Safari Bar, while quieter, intimate drinks, or games and books can be enjoyed in the Rajah Lounge.

The Leela Palace

Located near the heart of Chanakyapuri, the city’s diplomatic enclave, the Leela Palace New Delhi is a five-star luxury hotel in the Indian capital. Its 260 rooms and suites combine traditional Indian opulence with sleek contemporary decor and amenities in typical Leela luxury. Dining options include the striking glass-house Qube,offering an eclectic global menu and show kitchens, overlooking the Leela’s gardens; Jamavar for traditional Rajasthani and north Indian cuisine; and new outposts of the acclaimed restaurants Le Cirque (French and Italian) and Megu (Japanese). The Library, meanwhile, is a sophisticated retreat for cocktails, fine whiskeys, cigars, and a collection of first-edition books. The ESPA spa offers a range of Western, Oriental and Ayurvedic-influenced health and beauty treatments, as well as a café, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, relaxation lounge, finishing studio, roof terrace, and sauna, steam and drench rooms. The Leela is approximately a 30-minute drive from Indira Gandhi International airport (DEL).

The Lodhi

The Lodhi New Delhi (formerly the Aman New Delhi) is located on the outskirts of the Indian capital just south of the Delhi Golf Course and adjacent to the western half of the medieval Nizamuddin complex. Stone quarried from northern India is used for all floors and the interior design combines clean, modern lines with classic Mughal elements. There are 40 rooms and suites designed with regional style architecture featuring private plunge pools and the highest quality furniture and furnishings. The Lodhi offers a range of restaurants serving Indian, Thai and European cuisine. During the daytime guests may enjoy light snacks and classic cocktails at the Pool Café and in the evenings head to Anidra the supper and night club serving fine wines, beers, spirits, mixers and tapas. Other amenities include a spa, health center with four tennis courts, three squash courts, a pilates studio and a gymnasium, a lap pool, library and cigar room.

The Oberoi Gurgaon

The Oberoi Gurgaon is set on a lush nine-acre property just outside of New Delhi near the airport, offering luxury and tranquillity on the outskirts of India's capital. The hotel's 202 rooms and suites are among the largest in the city, featuring contemporary decor with large windows that overlook the property's landscaped pools and gardens. All have LED televisions and both wired and wireless internet access. Dining options include Threesixtyone, serving pan-Asian cuisine across 5 interactive show kitchens, with indoor and outdoor seating, and Amaranta, offering fresh seafood. The hotel also boasts a piano bar, the country's first exclusive cigar lounge, and a patisserie and delicatessen. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, gym complex, and a 24-hour spa centre. The Oberoi Gurgaon is 15 minutes by car from Delhi International Airport (DEL).

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